When it comes to planning fun activities for kids, balloons are always a hit!
They’re colorful, inexpensive, and can turn an ordinary afternoon into something special.
Over the years, I’ve found that balloon games are one of the easiest ways to keep kids entertained — whether it’s for a birthday party, a classroom activity, or just some weekend fun at home.
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The best part? You really don’t need fancy supplies or a lot of prep. Just grab a bag of balloons and you’re pretty much ready to go!
Below, I’ve rounded up 25 balloon games for young kids that are simple, active, and sure to bring out lots of laughter.
6 Balloon Safety Tips for Kids
- Supervise younger children: Balloons can be a choking hazard, especially if they pop. Always keep an eye on toddlers and preschoolers during balloon play.
- Clean up popped balloons quickly: Broken balloon pieces are the biggest risk for small kids. Collect and toss them right away.
- Choose the right balloons: Latex balloons are common, but consider mylar/foil balloons if you want something sturdier that’s less likely to pop.
- Limit indoor balloon games: If kids get too excited, balloons can knock over lamps or decorations. Stick to a clear space or the backyard.
- Teach gentle play: Remind kids not to bite or try to blow balloons up too big. Both can lead to sudden pops (and loud surprises).
- Think about allergies: A few children may have latex allergies, so it’s always worth keeping in mind if you’re hosting a party.
25 Balloon Games For Young Kids
1. Keep It Up
Kids try to keep a balloon in the air as long as possible without letting it touch the ground. For an extra challenge, add more balloons at once!
2. Balloon Relay Race
Divide kids into teams. Each child must carry a balloon across the room and back — but no hands allowed! They can balance it on their head, between their knees, or under their arm.
3. Balloon Volleyball
Use a string or piece of tape as a “net” and have the kids bat the balloon back and forth. This is one of my go-to rainy day games!
MORE AMAZING GAME & ACTIVITY IDEAS:
4. Balloon Pop
Write silly tasks or challenges on small slips of paper and place them inside balloons before inflating. Kids pop a balloon and do whatever task is inside.
5. Balloon Balance
Each child balances a balloon on a spoon while racing to the finish line. Great for practicing focus and coordination.
6. Balloon Stomp
Tie balloons to kids’ ankles with string. The goal is to stomp on other people’s balloons while protecting your own. (This one gets loud but kids love it!)
7. Pass the Balloon
Like “hot potato,” kids pass around a balloon while music plays. When the music stops, whoever is holding the balloon is “out.”
8. Balloon Waddle Race
Kids race while holding a balloon between their knees. It’s harder than it sounds — and so funny to watch!
9. Color Match Balloon Toss
Assign each child a balloon color. They can only catch and toss that color balloon. Helps with color recognition for younger kids.
10. Balloon Freeze Dance
Kids dance with balloons while the music plays. When it stops, they must freeze in place, balloon in hand.
11. Target Toss
Set up baskets, boxes, or laundry hampers and have kids toss balloons into them for points.
12. Balloon Basketball
Hang a hula hoop or laundry basket and let the kids try to shoot balloons through it.
13. Balloon Train
Line kids up, each holding a balloon against their belly. They must walk together in a “train” without dropping any balloons.
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14. Balloon Paddle Game
Use paper plates taped to sticks as paddles to bat balloons back and forth.
15. Catch It on a Cup
Give each child a plastic cup and have them try to catch a falling balloon inside the cup.
16. Balloon Tunnel Crawl
Line up chairs and tie balloons to them. Kids must crawl through the “balloon tunnel” without popping any.
17. Balloon Balance Beam
Lay down a piece of tape or string as a “beam.” Kids walk across while balancing a balloon on their hand.
18. Balloon Herding
Kids must “herd” balloons from one side of the room to the other using only their feet.
19. Balloon Pop Relay
Each child races to a chair, sits on a balloon, and pops it before running back to tag the next teammate.
20. Balloon Sculptures
Give kids a handful of inflated balloons and see what creations they can make. (Think towers, shapes, or silly balloon animals.)
FUN FACT: Balloons were once used by scientists to study the weather — some still are today! They float high up into the sky carrying tiny instruments.
21. Balloon Limbo
Hold a stick or piece of string and have kids go under while holding a balloon above their head.
22. Balloon Hop
Kids hop while holding a balloon between their ankles. First one across the finish line wins!
23. Balloon Face Race
Draw funny faces on balloons. Each child must blow their balloon across the room using only their breath.
24. Balloon Balance Challenge
See who can balance the most balloons on their body at once — on their head, arms, or even feet.
25. Balloon Cleanup Race
At the end of playtime, turn cleanup into a game! Kids race to collect and pop all the balloons.
Balloon games are such a simple way to keep young kids busy, active, and laughing.
I’ve used them at birthday parties, playdates, and even in the classroom when the kids needed to burn off some energy.
What I love most is how flexible these games are — you can make them as silly, competitive, or calm as you want.
So next time you need some quick and easy entertainment, grab a bag of balloons. You’ll be surprised at how much fun the kids (and even the grown-ups) will have!
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